Driving system and optical-element driving system

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is a driving system for driving an optical element in a first direction, that includes a linear actuator for producing a displacement in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a displacement picking unit being extendable in a third direction, perpendicular to both of the first and second directions, for picking out a displacement of the linear actuator, and a direction converting unit disposed at the third-direction side of the linear actuator, for converting a direction of the displacement picked out by the displacement picking unit.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION AND RELATED ART

This invention relates to a driving system for driving an article to bedriven, by use of driving means such as a laminated piezoelectricactuator, for example.

Semiconductor exposure apparatuses are an apparatus for transferring anoriginal (reticle) having many varieties of different patterns onto asilicon wafer (substrate). In such exposure apparatuses, for manufactureof a circuit of larger integration, not only the resolution performanceof a projection optical system but also the registration (superposition)precision must be improved.

The registration error in semiconductor exposure apparatuses can becategorized into an alignment error, image distortion and amagnification error. The alignment error can be diminished by relativepositional adjustment of an original (reticle) and a substrate (wafer).On the other hand, the magnification error is adjustable by moving aportion of a projection optical system in an optical axis direction.When an optical element or elements are going to be moved in the opticalaxis direction, careful attention should be paid to avoid enlargement ofany components other than that in the movement direction, particularly,a parallel deviation and a tilt error. The image distortion isadjustable by intentionally producing parallel deviation or tiltdeviation of a portion of the projection optical system.

As regards conventional driving systems for an optical element in asemiconductor exposure apparatus or for ordinary mechanical machines,the following documents are available.

Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application, Publication No. 2001-343575discloses in FIG. 2 a structure having an outer ring corresponding to afixed barrel, and an inner ring corresponding to a movable lens frame.The structure illustrated in this drawing comprises three sets ofoptical element holding devices, corresponding to lens driving systems,which are disposed at positions of relative angles of 120 degrees uponthe outer ring. A coupling arm which is a displacement output portion ofthe driving system is connected to the inner ring. By controlling theoutput displacements of the three sets of driving systems to a desiredquantity, the movable lens can be shift-driven in the optical axisdirection and, also, it can be tilt-driven about two axes which areorthogonal to the optical axis. FIGS. 11 and 12 of this documentillustrate details of the structure of the aforementioned drivingsystem. Specifically, these drawings show a mechanism in which, by useof a piezoelectric actuator (as a drive source) and a flexure mechanismincluding a rigid linkage and a resilient hinge and having adisplacement enlarging and guiding function, the coupling arm portionconnected to the movable lens is driven in the optical axis direction ofthe lens.

Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application, Publication No. 2002-131605discloses in FIG. 2 a structure for a frame member corresponding to afixed barrel, and a lens frame member corresponding to a movable lensframe. The structure illustrated in this drawing comprises three sets offlexure mechanisms, corresponding to lens driving systems, which aredisposed at the positions of relative angles of 120 degrees upon theframe member. A displacement output portion of each flexure mechanism isconnected to a flexure junction that corresponds to a protrusion of thelens frame member. By controlling the output displacements of the threesets of driving systems to a desired quantity, the movable lens can beshift-driven in the optical axis direction and can be shift-driven intwo directions orthogonal to the optical axis, and additionally, it canbe tilt-driven around two axes which are orthogonal to the optical axis.FIG. 11 of this document illustrate details of the flexure mechanism.Specifically, this drawing shows a mechanism in which pivotaldisplacement of the displacement output portion of the flexure mechanismis converted into a shift displacement in a horizontal direction and avertical direction.

Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application, Publication No. 04-203629discloses a structure for a driving system suitably usable in ananti-vibration system of an engine mount for vehicles. FIG. 20 of thisdocument shows a vibration system in which an actuator that can beelongated and contracted in an axial direction is mounted inside anelliptical ring, and in which the elongation/contraction displacement ofthe actuator is magnified and direction-converted so as to displace thetop surface of the elliptical ring upwardly or downwardly. FIG. 21 ofthis document shows a vibration system in which an actuator that can beelongated and contracted in an axial direction is mounted inside apantograph unit, and in which the elongation/contraction displacement ofthe actuator is magnified and direction-converted so as to displace thetop plate of the pantograph upwardly or downwardly.

In the driving system disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open PatentApplication, Publication No. 2001-343575, the actuator and the flexuremechanism are disposed in parallel to each other along the optical axisdirection of the lens. As a result, the thickness of the outer ring thatcorresponds to a fixed barrel becomes large.

The driving system disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application,Publication No. 2002-131605 is arranged so that the displacement of afree end of a horizontal driving lever and a vertical driving lever isadjusted by means of an adjusting washer and an adjusting button. Hence,it is not structured to automatically control the lens drivingdisplacement. If a piezoelectric actuator or the like is used in placeof the adjusting washer and the adjusting button described above, anautomatically adjustable structure may be provided. In that occasion,however, the actuator would be protruded in the optical axis directionand, as a result, the thickness in the optical axis direction wouldbecome large as in the case of Japanese Laid-Open Patent Application,Publication No. 2001-343575 discussed above.

In the driving system disclosed in Japanese Laid-Open PatentApplication, Publication No. 04-203629, the mechanism for magnifying anddirection-converting the driving displacement of the actuator isdisposed in parallel to the final output displacement direction and, asa result, the size in the final output direction becomes large.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a uniqueand improved driving system by which at least one of the inconveniencesdescribed above can be removed or reduced.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provideda driving system for driving an optical element in a first direction,comprising:

a linear actuator for producing a displacement in a second directionperpendicular to the first direction;

a displacement picking unit being extendable in a third direction,perpendicular to both of the first and second directions, for pickingout a displacement of said linear actuator; and

a direction converting unit disposed at the third-direction side of saidlinear actuator, for converting a direction of the displacement pickedout by said displacement picking unit.

These and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become more apparent upon a consideration of thefollowing description of the preferred embodiments of the presentinvention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C are schematic views, respectively, for explainingthe structure of a driving system according to a first embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a general structure of a semiconductorexposure apparatus into which a driving system according to the presentinvention is incorporated.

FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C are schematic views, respectively, for explaining adriving system according to the present invention as the same is appliedto a lens driving system.

FIGS. 4A and 4B schematic views, respectively, for explaining details ofthe structure of the driving system according to the first embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIGS. 5A and 5B schematic views, respectively, for explaining theoperation of the driving system according to the first embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a control system in an optical elementdriving system according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining a control sequence in an opticalelement driving system according to the present invention.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are schematic views, respectively, for explaining thestructure and operation of a driving system according to a secondembodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are schematic views, respectively, for explaining thestructure of a driving system according to a third embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are schematic views, respectively, for explainingdetails of the structure of the driving system according to the thirdembodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are schematic views, respectively, for explaining theoperation of the driving system according to the third embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are schematic views, respectively, for explaining thestructure and operation of a driving system according to a fourthembodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 13A and 13B are schematic views, respectively, for explaining thestructure of a driving system according to a fifth embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C are schematic views, respectively, for explainingdetails of the structure of the driving system according to the fifthembodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are schematic views, respectively, for explaining theoperation of the driving system according to the fifth embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 16A and 16B are schematic views, respectively, for explaining thestructure of a driving system according to a sixth embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 17A, 17B and 17C are schematic views, respectively, for explainingdetails of the structure of the driving system according to the sixthembodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 18A and 18B are schematic views, respectively, for explaining theoperation of the driving system according to the sixth embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIGS. 19A and 19B are schematic views, respectively, for explaining thestructure of a modified example of a driving system according to thepresent invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be describedwith reference to the attached drawings.

Embodiment 1

FIG. 1A through FIG. 6 are illustrations concerning a driving systemaccording to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view that shows a general structure of asemiconductor exposure apparatus to which the present invention isapplied.

This semiconductor exposure apparatus is a scanner type exposureapparatus in which an exposure operation is carried out by scanninglymoving a reticle under slit illumination while a semiconductor wafer aswell is scanningly moved in synchronism with the reticle scan motion. InFIG. 2, the exposure apparatus has a projection optical system 1 whichis equipped with a driving system of the present invention. Morespecifically, the projection optical system 1 has a plurality of lensunits being accumulated, and each unit comprises a lens having apredetermined optical power, a lens driving system for that lens, and abarrel that accommodates the lens and its lens driving system.

A barrel mount 2 is provided to secure the projection optical system 1to a main frame 3 of the exposure apparatus. In order to preventvibration of a ground where the apparatus is installed, from beingtransmitted to the projection optical system 1, the main frame 3 and thebarrel mount 2 are connected together through an anti-vibrationmechanism. An illumination unit 4 is arranged to variably illuminate areticle 5, which is an original, in various illumination modes. Areticle stage 6 is provided to scanningly move the reticle 5. A reticlesupport table 7 is provided so as to support the reticle stage 6 uponthe barrel mount. A semiconductor wafer 8 is coated with aphotosensitive material. A wafer stage 9 holds the semiconductor wafer 8thereon. By moving the wafer stage 9, the position of the semiconductorwafer 8 with respect to the optical axis direction can be adjusted onone hand, and the semiconductor wafer 8 can be scan-controlled insynchronism with the scan motion of the reticle stage 6 on the otherhand.

A lens control unit 10 controls driving systems 110 in accordance with apredetermined control sequence. More specifically, it can operate toadjustably move a predetermined lens in accordance with the result ofcalculation made by use of date form various sensors such as a pressuresensor, for example, and also in accordance with a program storedbeforehand, so as to optimize the optical performance of the projectionoptical system 1. Details will be described later with reference toFIGS. 6 and 7.

FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C illustrate an optical element driving system havinga plurality of driving systems 110 for moving a lens 103 in a desireddirection. More particularly, FIG. 3A is a plan view showing thestructure where a lens and a lens frame are demounted, and FIG. 3B is aplan view of the structure where the lens and the lens frame aremounted. FIG. 3C is a sectional view.

In FIGS. 3A and 3C, a fixed barrel 101 has a flat portion where drivingmeans and lens position detecting means according to the presentinvention (to be described later) should be fixed, and a cylindricalside wall portion to be joined to upper and lower adjacent lens units.

As regards the driving systems 110, three sets of identical drivingsystems are mounted on the bottom flat portion of the barrel 101. Lensposition detecting means 102 is operable to detect any displacement of alens frame 104 with respect to the optical axis direction (Z direction)as well as any displacement thereof with respect to a radial directionthereof being perpendicular to the optical axis. An interferometricgauge using a semiconductor wafer may be conveniently used for the same.

FIG. 3B shows the structure where the lens 103 and the lens frame 104are mounted. The lens frame 104 that accommodates the lens 103 isprovided with flange-shaped protrusions at six locations upon the topsurface thereof. The flanges at three protrusions of the six protrusionsare connected to displacement output portions of the driving systems 110by means of lens frame connecting screws 105. The remaining threeflanges will be used as a target for detection of any lens framedisplacement.

The lens position detecting means 102 is arranged to project detectionlaser beams in the optical axis direction of the lens 103 as well as inthe radial direction of the same and, on the basis of interferencebetween reflected light and reference light, it detects any displacementof three portions of the lens frame 104 (adjacent its three flanges)with respect to the optical axis direction and the radial direction.

With the structure described above, by driving the three sets of drivingsystems 110 by the same amount, the lens 103 can be movedtranslationally in the optical axis direction. On the other hand, ifthese three sets of driving systems are driven by different drivingamounts, the lens can be tilt-driven in a ea direction and a θbdirection shown in FIG. 3B. In this case, the output of the positiondetecting means 102 in relation to the optical axis direction may be fedback, by which the translational driving amount of the lens 103 as wellas the tilt driving amount thereof can be controlled very accurately.Furthermore, the output of the position detecting means 102 in relationto the radial direction may be monitored and, in that occasion, theamount of image shift due to parallel deviation along a plane orthogonalto the optical axis of the lens 103 can be calculated. The calculationresult may be added to the driving amount of the wafer stage 9 shown inFIG. 2, by which any alignment error of the reticle image due to a lenseccentricity can be reduced.

FIGS. 1A, 1B and 1C illustrate details of one driving system 110 shownin FIG. 2. More particularly, FIG. 1A is a plane view of it as seen fromthe above along the optical axis direction of the lens. The X and Y axesare defined as depicted there. FIG. 1B is a side view of it as the sameis seen from the lens center. The X and Z axes are defined as depictedthere. FIG. 1C is a sectional view, taken on a line A-A in FIG. 1A.

In FIGS. 1A-1C, the mechanism comprises a fixed barrel 101, a drivingmechanism main assembly 111, a piezoelectric actuator 112 havingpiezoelectric output ends 112 a and 112 b, a piezoelectric actuatoradjusting screw 113, and mount screws 114. The driving mechanism mainassembly 111 includes displacement pick-out linkages 111 a and 111 b,direction converting linkages 111 c and 111 d, supporting linkages 111 eand 111 f, a lens frame driving linkage 111 g, a counter linkage 111 h,lens frame mount screw bores 111 j, a piezoelectric actuator abutment111 k, a piezoelectric actuator adjusting screw bore 111 m, bottomnotches 111 p, and a bottom 111 w.

In FIGS. 1A-1C, the barrel 101 has a flat portion formed at the topthereof. The driving system main assembly 111 has a linkage mechanismhaving been made from a single metal block in accordance with a wireelectric discharge machining process and a cutting process. Thepiezoelectric actuator 112 of lamination type includes a driving sourcehaving alternately layered electrostrictive elements and electrodes,which driving source is sealingly housed in a closed type cylindricalcontainer. The whole length of the piezoelectric actuator 112 withrespect to the X-axis direction is expandable approximately inproportion to an applied voltage thereto. The piezoelectric actuatoradjusting screw 113 is provided to correct any dimensional error of theactuator 112, and it is interposed between the driving system mainassembly 111 and the actuator 112. The mount screws 114 serve to fixedlyconnect the driving system main assembly 111 to the barrel 101.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show details of the linkage mechanism wherein thepiezoelectric actuator 112 and the piezoelectric actuator adjustingscrew 113 are demounted from the driving system main assembly 111. Here,FIG. 4A is a plane view, and FIG. 4B is a perspective view. Referring toFIGS. 1A-1C and FIGS. 4A and 4B, the manner how to make the drivingsystem main assembly 111 will be explained below.

First of all, from a metal block which is a base material, by milling,the outermost configuration surface of the linkage mechanism isproduced. Furthermore, by milling, the surface of the bottom 111 w ofthe mechanism shown in FIG. 4A is formed. In order to remove cornerportions of the bottom plate 111 w, bottom notches 111 p are formed by awire electric discharge machining process.

Subsequently, by wire electric discharge machining, a slit shown in FIG.1B is formed. By forming this slit, the linkage structure is produced.This linkage structure includes displacement pick-out linkages 111 a and111 b, direction converting linkages 111 c and 111 d, supportinglinkages 111 e and 111 f, a lens frame driving linkage 111 g, and acounter linkage 111 h. These linkages are connected together byresilient hinge means. Finally, by using a drilling machine, bores forlens frame mounting screw bores 111 j, piezoelectric actuator adjustingscrew bore 111 m, and bottom screw bores for fixation to the lens barrelare machined and then they are threaded. By this, the linkage mechanismis accomplished. With the procedure described above, the linkagemechanism of the driving system main assembly 111 can be produced out ofa single metal block.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are illustrations for explaining the linkage operationof the driving system main assembly 111. Here, FIG. 5A is a side view ofthe linkage mechanism as the piezoelectric actuator 112 is in itsexpanded position. FIG. 5B is a diagrammatic view of the linkagemechanism.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-1C and FIGS. 5A and 5B, the assembling procedureof the driving system main assembly 111 as well as the driving principleof the same will be explained.

First of all, in FIG. 1A, the piezoelectric actuator 112 is put into aninside central space of the driving system main assembly 111. Afterthis, the piezoelectric actuator adjusting screw 113 is screwed into thepiezoelectric actuator adjusting screw bore 111 m from the right-handside thereof, to push the bottom 112 b of the piezoelectric actuator 112leftwardly, until the output end 112 a of the piezoelectric actuator 112abuts against the right-hand end face of the displacement pick-outlinkage 111 a of the linkage mechanism. Then, the mounting ofpiezoelectric actuator 112 is completed.

If a predetermined voltage is applied to two electrode terminals whichare provided at the bottom of the right-hand side end portion of thepiezoelectric actuator 112, in response the whole length L of thepiezoelectric actuator expands by dL in the X direction.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 5B, one (111 a) of the displacementpick-out linkages shifts leftwardly by −dL/2, while the otherdisplacement pick-out linkage 111 b shifts rightwardly by dL/2.

As the piezoelectric actuator displaces, the converting linkages 111 cand 111 d are pivotally moved. Furthermore, the displacement pick-outlinkages 111 a and 111 b are moved upwardly in the Z-axis direction byabout dL/2, in addition to the displacement in the X-axis direction. Thedirection converting linkage comprises a pantograph structure havinglinkage elements tilted by about 45 degrees with respect to the X axis.The lens frame driving linkage 111 g which is connected to the directionconverting linkage is moved upwardly by about dL along the Z-axisdirection. Therefore, the lens frame 104 (not shown) which is connectedto the lens frame mounting screw bores 111 j formed at the top face ofthe lens frame driving linkage 111 g is similarly moved upwardly byabout dL along the optical axis direction (Z direction).

Although the lens frame driving linkage 111 g displaces in the opticalaxis direction in response to the extension of the piezoelectricactuator 112 as described above, it is desired that the lens framedriving linkage 111 g can displace only in the optical axis directionand it is not displaceable in the X and Y directions.

In order to accomplish such structural features, an auxiliary linkage tobe described blow may be added. First of all, in order to restrictmovement of the lens frame driving linkage 111 g in the X direction,supporting linkages 111 e and 111 f are connected to the lower portionof the lens frame driving linkage. By means of these supporting linkages111 e and 111 f, it is assured that the lens frame driving linkage 111 ghas a displacement freedom with respect to the optical axis direction,whereas the freedom in the X direction is restricted. Hence, it isdisplaceable only in the optical axis direction.

On the other hand, in order to restrict movement of the lens framedriving linkage 111 g in the Y direction, a counter linkage 111 h suchas shown in FIG. 1A may be provided. Although the planar shape of thecounter linkage 111 h as seen from the above is slightly different fromthe lens frame driving linkage 111 g, the linkage structure as seen fromthe side thereof has exactly the same shape as of the lens frame drivinglinkage 111 g and those linkages connected thereto. More specifically,in FIG. 1A, the piezoelectric actuator 112 is disposed at the middlebetween two sets of direction converging linkages (pantograph linkagemeans) having approximately the same structure. On the other hand, thesetwo sets of linkages are connected to the displacement pick-out linkages111 a and 111 b which extend in the Y direction.

As a result of this, in response to expansion of the piezoelectricactuator 112, the lens frame driving linkage 111 g and the counterlinkage 111 h displace by the same amount in the Z direction, yet theyprovide a structure having high shearing rigidity with respect to the Ydirection. Since the region around the lens frame mounting screw bores111 j is displaceable only in the Z direction, and the freedom thereofwith respect to the X and Y directions are restricted. Therefore, thelens frame 104 (not shown in theses drawings) can be driven in the Zdirection very accurately.

Furthermore, although the displacement pick-out linkages 111 a and 111 bis movable translationally in the X direction and also in the opticalaxis direction, there occurs no rotational motion about X axis, Y axisor optical axis (Z axis). As a result, no deflection stress is appliedto the piezoelectric actuator 112, and thus breakage of thepiezoelectric actuator 112 which is a fragile member can be preventedeffectively.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a control system for controlling theexposure operation and the lens driving operation and so on in thesemiconductor exposure apparatus shown in FIG. 2. More specifically, inFIG. 6, a main CPU 21 controls operations of the exposure apparatus as awhole. Mount controlling means 31 controls anti-vibration operations ofthe barrel mount 2. Illumination controlling means 41 controls theillumination mode of the illumination unit and the light quantitythereof. Reticle stage controlling means 61 controls driving operationsfor the reticle stage 6. Wafer stage controlling means controls drivingoperations for the wafer stage 9.

Lens controlling means 10 includes a plurality of lens CPUs 11, eachlens CPU being configured to control driving operations for anassociated one of the lenses such as shown in FIGS. 3A-3C. To each lensCPU 11, three piezoelectric drivers 12 are connected. Each of thesepiezoelectric drivers 12 is arranged to drive associated one of thepiezoelectric actuators 112 which are stored in the three sets ofdriving systems 110 shown in FIGS. 3A-3C. On the other hand, to eachlens CPU 11, six lens position detecting means 102 are connected. Eachof these lens position detecting means 102 corresponds to the lensposition detecting means 102 having been described with reference toFIGS. 3A-3C.

Three lens position detecting means of these six lens position detectingmeans 102 are arranged to detect any displacement of the lens frame 104with respect to the optical axis direction. The remaining three lensposition detecting means 102 are arranged to detect any displacement ofthe lens frame 104 with respect to the radial direction thereof. Asregards the remaining CPUs, piezoelectric drivers 12 and lens positiondetecting means 102 are similarly connected to the same.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart for explaining the control sequence of these lensCPUs 11.

At step S101, in response to communication with the main CPU 21,execution of the lens driving routine is initiated.

At step S103, a lookup table concerning the driving waveform for thelens which is going to be driven is read out by means of the main CPU21. The lookup table contains various correction parameters such as, forexample, correction quantities for the lens driving position related tothe illumination modes, driving waveforms for correcting, in real time,various aberrations to be produced in reticle images due to reticlescanning motion, and correction quantities for correcting any changes inoptical characteristics of the lens due to heat generation to be causedby absorption of illumination light by the lens.

At step S105, the pressure of an ambient gas that surrounds the lens isdetected on the basis of an output from a pressure sensor, not shown,and a lens position correcting quantity for compensating a change in therefractive index is calculated.

At step S107, on the basis of the data obtained at the steps S103 andS105, the translational driving waveform for the lens 103 in the opticalaxis direction as well as the tilt driving waveforms for the same withrespect to the θa direction and the θb direction are generated.

As step S109, these three lens driving waveforms produced at the stepS107 are converted into optical-axis-direction driving waveforms Za, Zband Zc for the three sets of driving systems 110, as shown in FIGS.3A-3C.

At step S111, communication with the main CPU 21 is taken, and thensupply of a lens drive starting command is waited for.

Unless a lens drive starting signal is received, the sequence is stoodby at step S111. As a lens drive starting command is received, thesequence goes to step S113.

At step S113, in order to drivingly control the three sets of drivingsystems 110 in accordance with the driving waveforms produced at stepS109, the piezoelectric drivers 12 are drivingly controlled whilemonitoring the outputs of the lens position detecting means 102.

At step S115, one lens-driving operation is completed, and the sequencereturns.

With the execution of the sequential procedure described above, the lens103 shown in FIGS. 3A-3C can be drivingly controlled in accordance withdesired waveforms. Similar controls may of course be carried out withregard to the remaining lenses, by which the imaging performance of thewhole optical system of the projection optical lens 1 shown in FIG. 2can be optimized. Therefore, the image of the reticle 1 can be projectedonto the wafer 8 very precisely.

Although in this embodiment a lamination type piezoelectric actuator isused as a drive source, a linear actuator having a combination of amotor and a ball screw may be used.

As described above, the driving system according to this embodiment ofthe present invention may include (i) driving means for producing adrive displacement in X direction, (ii) displacement pick-out meansextending in Y direction to pick out the displacement in terms of Ydirection, and (iii) direction converting means for converting thedirection of the thus picked displacement into Z direction. The drivingmeans 112 may produce a drive displacement in the X direction on thebasis of a change in the whole length thereof or a shift of thedisplacement output portion thereof. The direction converting means maybe disposed in the Y direction, relative to the driving means.Additionally, the direction converting means may have an approximatelysymmetrical shape with respect to the X direction. Furthermore, thedirection converting means may be provided by two sets of linkagemechanisms having approximately the same shape. These two sets oflinkage mechanisms may be disposed at opposite sides of the drivingmeans 112. The displacement pick-out means may be made movableapproximately translationally along the X direction. The displacementpick-out means and the direction converting means may be madesubstantially from a single piece of material.

In accordance with the first embodiment described hereinbefore, thefollowing advantageous results are obtainable.

1.1 Use of driving means such as a laminated piezoelectric actuatorextending in Y direction and a linkage mechanism provided in X directionorthogonal to the Y direction and having a function for converting anoutput displacement of the actuator produced in the Y direction into adisplacement in Z direction which is orthogonal to the X and Ydirections, enables provision of a small-thickness driving system withthe size thereof in the Z direction being decreased.

1.2 Since the linkage mechanism has a shape which is approximatelysymmetrical shape in the first direction, any unwanted displacement inthe Y direction can be made very small.

1.3 Two sets of linkage mechanisms having approximately the same shapeare disposed at the opposite sides of the actuator with respect to the Xdirection. With this arrangement, inside stresses in the X directionproduced within the linkage mechanisms are balanced, such that anyunwanted displacement in the X direction can be made very small.

1.4 The displacement pick-out linkage which is in abutment with theactuator is movable only translationally, and it does not producepivotal displacement. As a result, no deflection stress in the benddirection is produced in the actuator and, thus, breakage of theactuator can be avoided.

1.5 Since the linkage mechanism having a rigid linkage and a resilienthinge can be made from a single block-like base material, any decreaseof dimensional precision and a decrease of rigidity due to the couplingof plural components can be avoided. Furthermore, the assemblingoperation becomes easier, and in addition to this, it is very convenientin regard to reduction in size.

1.6 A plurality of driving systems are disposed around an opticalelement. This ensures accurate drive of the optical element in a desireddirection while, on the other hand, it enables reduction in size of theoptical element driving system as a whole including an optical elementand driving systems therefor, particularly, in the thickness withrespect to the optical axis direction of the optical element. As aresult of this, each of plural optical elements adjoining to each othercan be equipped with such a driving system. This leads to enlargement ofthe degree of adjustment freedom of the whole optical system and itcontributes to improvements of the optical performance. Furthermore,since the apparatus mechanism as a whole can be made small in size, theinstallment area as well as the cost can be reduced conveniently.

Embodiment 2

In the driving system of the first embodiment described hereinbefore,the linkage mechanism of the driving system main assembly 111 has astructure being approximately symmetrical with respect to the X-axisdirection. As compared with this, in a driving system according to asecond embodiment of the present invention to be described below, theshape in the X direction is made asymmetric. This is to simplify thestructure and also to improve the rigidity in the X-axis direction.

FIG. 8A is a side view of a driving system main assembly according tothe second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8B is aschematic view for explaining the operation of the linkage mechanism.

In FIGS. 8A and 8B, the mechanism comprises a fixed barrel 101, adriving mechanism main assembly 211, a piezoelectric actuator 212 havingpiezoelectric output ends 212 a and 212 b, a piezoelectric actuatoradjusting screw 213, and mount screws 214. The driving mechanism mainassembly 211 includes a displacement pick-out linkage 211 a, apiezoelectric actuator fixing portion 211 b, a direction convertinglinkage 211 c, supporting linkages 211 e and 211 f, a lens frame 515 iand a driving linkage 211 g therefor, a counter linkage 211 h, lensframe mount screw bores 211 j, a piezoelectric actuator abutment 211 k,an adjusting screw bore 211 m, bottom notches 211 p, and a bottom 211 w.

In FIG. 8A, the lens barrel 101 has a flat portion. The driving systemmain assembly 211 has a linkage mechanism having been made from a singlemetal block in accordance with a wire electric discharge machiningprocess and a cutting process. The piezoelectric actuator 212 oflamination type has the same structure as of the piezoelectric actuator112 of the first embodiment, and it includes a driving source havingalternately layered electrostrictive elements and electrodes, whichdriving source is sealingly housed in a closed type cylindricalcontainer. The whole length of the piezoelectric actuator with respectto the X-axis direction is expandable approximately in proportion to anapplied voltage thereto.

The piezoelectric actuator adjusting screw 213 is provided to correctany dimensional error of the actuator 212, and it is interposed betweenthe driving system main assembly 211 and the actuator 212. The mountscrews 214 serve to fixedly connect the driving system main assembly 211to the barrel 101.

Although illustration of a plan view of this driving system mainassembly 211 will be omitted here, like the driving system 110 of thefirst embodiment, a linkage mechanism is disposed in front of thepiezoelectric actuator 212 and, additionally, another linkage mechanismhaving the same sectional shape as of the first-mentioned linkagemechanism is disposed at the opposite side of the actuator 212.

The driving system main assembly 211 can be made in a similar manner asthe driving system main assembly 111 of the first embodiment.Description thereof will be omitted here for this reason.

Referring to FIG. 8A, the assembling procedure of the driving systemwill be explained.

First of all, the piezoelectric actuator 212 is put into an insidecentral space of the driving system main assembly 211. After this, thepiezoelectric actuator adjusting screw 213 is screwed into thepiezoelectric actuator adjusting screw bore 211 m, formed in thepiezoelectric actuator fixing portion 211 b, from the right-hand sidethereof to push the bottom 212 b of the piezoelectric actuator 212leftwardly, until the output end 212 a of the piezoelectric actuator 212abuts against the right-hand end face of the displacement pick-outlinkage 211 a of the linkage mechanism. Then, the mounting ofpiezoelectric actuator 212 is completed.

If a predetermined voltage is applied to two electrode terminals whichare provided at the bottom of the right-hand side end portion of thepiezoelectric actuator 212, in response the whole length L of thepiezoelectric actuator 212 expands by dL in the X direction.

Referring now to FIG. 8B, the operation of the linkage mechanism will beexplained.

The piezoelectric actuator fixing portion 211 b provided at theright-hand side end of the driving system main assembly 211 is a rigidmaterial portion being continuous from the bottom 211 w. Therefore, ifthe whole length L of the piezoelectric actuator 212 expands by dL inthe X direction, since the piezoelectric actuator fixing portion isimmovable, only the displacement pick-out linkage 211 a at the left-handend displaces leftwardly by −dL.

As the piezoelectric actuator 212 is driven, the direction convertinglinkage 211 c is moved pivotally, and the displacement pick-out linkage211 a is moved upwardly in the Z direction by about dL, in addition tothe displacement in the X-axis direction. The direction convertinglinkage 211 c comprises a pantograph structure having linkage elementstilted by about 45 degrees with respect to the X axis. The lens framedriving linkage 211 g is moved upwardly by about 2 dL along the Z-axisdirection. Therefore, the lens frame 104 (not shown) which is connectedto the lens frame mounting screw bores formed at the top face of thelens frame driving linkage 211 g is similarly moved upwardly by about 2dL along the Z direction.

Although the lens frame driving linkage 211 g displaces in the Zdirection in response to the extension of the piezoelectric actuator 212as described above, it is desired that the lens frame driving linkage211 g can displace only in the Z direction and it is not displaceable inthe X and Y directions.

In order to accomplish such structural features, an auxiliary linkage tobe described blow may be added.

First of all, in order to restrict movement of the lens frame drivinglinkage 211 g in the X direction, supporting linkages 211 e and 211 fare connected to the lower portion and the right-hand end portion of thelens frame driving linkage, respectively. Since the right-hand endsupporting linkage 211 f provides a parallel linkage mechanism, it isassured that the lens frame driving linkage 211 g has a displacementfreedom with respect to the Z direction, whereas the freedom in the Xdirection is restricted. In addition, any rotational motion about the Yaxis is restricted.

On the other hand, in order to restrict movement of the lens framedriving linkage 211 g in the Y direction, as has been described withreference to FIG. 8A, a counter linkage 111 h (not shown in thisdrawing) having the same sectional shape as of the lens frame drivinglinkage 211 g, is provided at the side of the piezoelectric actuator 212opposite to the linkage 211 g.

In these two sets of linkage mechanisms, the left-hand side thereof isconnected to the displacement pick-out linkage 211 a extending in theY-axis direction, while the right-hand side thereof is connected to thepiezoelectric actuator fixing portion 211 b.

As a result of this, in response to expansion of the piezoelectricactuator 212, the lens frame driving linkage 211 g and the counterlinkage 211 h displace by the same amount in the Z direction, yet theyprovide a structure having high shearing rigidity with respect to the Ydirection. Since the region around the lens frame mounting screw bores211 j is displaceable only in the Z direction, and the freedom thereofwith respect to the X and Y directions are restricted. Therefore, thelens frame 104 can be driven in the Z direction very accurately.

Although the displacement pick-out linkages 211 a and 211 b are movabletranslationally in the X-axis direction and also in the Z-axisdirection, since the right-hand end 212 b of the piezoelectric actuatoris held fixed, to be exact, the displacement pick-out linkage 211 a isdisplaceable about the Y axis by a small amount. However, since theamount is very small, any deflection stress produced in thepiezoelectric actuator 212 is minute. Thus, breakage of thepiezoelectric actuator 212 which is a fragile member can be preventedeffectively.

The driving system 211 of the second embodiment may be replaced by thedriving system 110 of FIGS. 3A-3C, and the control block diagram as wellas the control sequence having been described with reference to FIGS. 6and 7 may be used. In that occasion, similar functions as of the firstembodiment will be provided.

As described above, the driving system according to the secondembodiment of the present invention may include (i) driving means forproducing a drive displacement in X direction, (ii) displacementpick-out means extending in Y direction, orthogonal to the X direction,to pick out the displacement, and (iii) direction converting means forconverting the displacement picked out by the displacement pick-outmeans into a displacement in Z direction (optical axis direction) whichis orthogonal to both of the X and Y directions. The driving means mayproduce a drive displacement in the X direction on the basis of a changein the whole length thereof or a shift of the displacement outputportion thereof. The direction converting means may be disposed in the Ydirection, relative to the driving means. Additionally, in this drivingsystem, the direction converting means may have an asymmetrical shapewith respect to the X direction, and an end of the driving means may besubstantially fixed to the fixed portion of the driving system. Also,the direction converting means may be disposed at an opposite side ofthe fixed portion of the driving means with respect to the X direction.Furthermore, in the driving system of the second embodiment, thedirection converting means may be provided by two sets of linkagemechanisms having approximately the same shape. These two sets oflinkage mechanisms may be disposed at opposite sides of the drivingmeans. On the other hand, in the driving system of the secondembodiment, the displacement pick-out means may be made movableapproximately translationally along the X direction. Furthermore, in thedriving system of the second embodiment, the displacement pick-out meansand the direction converting means may be made substantially from of asingle piece of material.

In accordance with the second embodiment of the present inventiondescribed hereinbefore, the following advantageous results areobtainable.

2.1 Use of driving means such as a laminated piezoelectric actuatorextending in X direction and a linkage mechanism provided in Y directionorthogonal to the X direction and having a function for converting anoutput displacement of the actuator produced in the X direction into adisplacement in Z direction which is orthogonal to the X and Ydirections, enables provision of a small-thickness driving system withthe size thereof in the Z direction being decreased.

2.2 Since an end of the actuator is connected to a fixed portion, therigidity of the linkage mechanism in the first direction can be madehigh. As a result, any resonance due to transmission of unwanted outsidevibration can be reduced effectively.

2.3 Two sets of linkage mechanisms having approximately the same shapeare disposed at the opposite sides of the actuator with respect to the Ydirection. With this arrangement, inside stresses in the Y directionproduced within the linkage mechanisms are balanced, such that anyunwanted displacement in the Y direction can be made very small.

2.4 The displacement pick-out linkage which is in abutment with theactuator is movable only translationally, and it does not producepivotal displacement. As a result, no deflection stress in the benddirection is produced in the actuator and, thus, breakage of theactuator can be avoided.

2.5 Since the linkage mechanism having a rigid linkage and a resilienthinge can be made from a single block-like base material, any decreaseof dimensional precision and a decrease of rigidity due to the couplingof plural components can be avoided. Furthermore, the assemblingoperation becomes easier, and in addition to this, it is very convenientin regard to reduction in size.

2.6 A plurality of driving systems are disposed around an opticalelement. This ensures accurate drive of the optical element in a desireddirection while, on the other hand, it enables reduction in size of theoptical element driving system as a whole including an optical elementand driving systems therefor, particularly, in the thickness withrespect to the optical axis direction of the optical element. As aresult of this, each of plural optical elements adjoining to each othercan be equipped with such a driving system. This leads to enlargement ofthe degree of adjustment freedom of the whole optical system and itcontributes to improvements of the optical performance. Furthermore,since the apparatus mechanism as a whole can be made small in size, theinstallment area as well as the cost can be reduced conveniently.

Embodiment 3

In the driving systems according to the first and second embodimentsdescribed hereinbefore, a direction converting linkage (pantograph typelinkage) having an angle of about 45 degrees with respect to the outputdisplacement direction of the actuator is used to convert the directionof the output displacement. As compared therewith, in a third embodimentof the present invention to be described blow, a lever type linkagehaving an L shape is used to achieve both of reduction of thickness andprevention of unwanted displacement.

FIGS. 9A and 9B through FIGS. 11 and 11B are illustrations concerningthe third embodiment of the present invention.

Specifically, FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate details of the driving systemof the third embodiment, wherein FIG. 9A is a plan view of it as thesame is seen from the above along the optical axis direction of thelens, and FIG. 9B is a side view of the same as seen from the lenscenter. The X axis, Y axis and Z axis are defined as illustrated,similarly to the first embodiment.

In FIGS. 9A and 9B, the mechanism comprises a fixed barrel 101, adriving mechanism main assembly 311, a piezoelectric actuator 312 havingpiezoelectric output ends 312 a and 312 b, a piezoelectric actuatoradjusting screw 313, and a driving mechanism mount screws 314. Thedriving mechanism main assembly 311 includes displacement pick-outlinkages 311 a and 311 b, direction converting linkages 311 c and 311 d,supporting linkages 311 e and 311 f, a lens frame driving linkage 311 gtherefor, lens frame mount screw bores 311 j, a piezoelectric actuatorabutment 311 k, an adjusting screw bore 311 m, bottom notches 311 p,piezoelectric actuator end linkages 311 q and 311 r, straight-motionconverting linkages 311 s and 311 t, an adjusting screw clearance bore311 u, and a bottom 311 w.

The barrel 101 has a flat portion such as shown in FIG. 3A-3C. Thedriving system main assembly 311 has a linkage mechanism having beenmade from a single metal block in accordance with a wire electricdischarge machining process and a cutting process. The piezoelectricactuator 312 of lamination type has a similar structure as of thepiezoelectric actuator 112 of the first embodiment, and it includes adriving source having alternately layered electrostrictive elements andelectrodes, which driving source is sealingly housed in a closed typecylindrical container. The whole length of the piezoelectric actuator312 with respect to the X-axis direction is expandable approximately inproportion to an applied voltage thereto. The piezoelectric actuatoradjusting screw 313 is provided to correct any dimensional error of theactuator 312, and it is interposed between the driving system mainassembly 311 and the actuator 312. The mount screws 314 serve to fixedlyconnect the driving system main assembly 311 to the barrel 101.

FIGS. 10A and 10B show details of the linkage mechanism wherein thepiezoelectric actuator 312 and the piezoelectric actuator adjustingscrew 313 are demounted from the driving system main assembly 311. Here,FIG. 10A is a plane view, and FIG. 10B is a perspective view.

Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B and FIGS. 10A and 10B, the manner how tomake the driving system main assembly 311 will be explained below.

First of all, from a metal block which is a base material, by milling,the outermost configuration surface of the linkage mechanism isproduced. Furthermore, by milling, the surface of the bottom 311 w ofthe mechanism shown in FIG. 10A is formed.

Then, in order to remove corner portions of the bottom plate 311 w,bottom notches 311 p are formed by a wire electric discharge machiningprocess.

Subsequently, by wire electric discharge machining, a slit shown in FIG.9B is formed. By forming this slit, the linkage structure is produced.This linkage structure includes displacement pick-out linkages 311 a and311 b, direction converting linkages 311 c and 311 d, supportinglinkages 311 e and 311 f, a lens frame driving linkage 311 g, lens framemounting screw bores 311 j, a piezoelectric actuator abutment 311 k, apiezoelectric actuator adjusting screw bore 311 m, bottom bores 311 p,piezoelectric actuator end linkages 311 q and 311 r, and straight-motionconverting linkages 311 s and 311 t. These linkages are connectedtogether by resilient hinge means.

Finally, by using a drilling machine, bores for lens frame mountingscrew bores 311 j, piezoelectric actuator adjusting screw bore 311 m,and three bores for connection with the fixed barrel are machined andthen they are threaded. By this, the linkage mechanism is accomplished.With the procedure described above, the linkage mechanism of the drivingsystem main assembly 311 can be produced out of a single metal block.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are illustrations for explaining the linkage mechanismof the driving system main assembly 311. Here, FIG. 11A is a side viewof the linkage mechanism as the piezoelectric actuator 312 is in itsexpanded position. FIG. 11B is a diagrammatic view of the linkagemechanism.

Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B and FIGS. 11A and 11B, the assemblingprocedure of the driving system main assembly 311 as well as theoperational principle of the same will be explained.

First of all, in FIG. 9A, the piezoelectric actuator 312 is put into aninside central space of the driving system main assembly 311. Afterthis, the piezoelectric actuator adjusting screw 313 is screwed into thepiezoelectric actuator adjusting screw bore 311 m from the right-handside thereof, to push the bottom 312 b of the piezoelectric actuator 312leftwardly, until the output end 312 a of the piezoelectric actuator 312abuts against the right-hand end face of the piezoelectric actuator endlinkage 311 q of the linkage mechanism.

Then, the mounting of piezoelectric actuator 312 is completed.

If a predetermined voltage is applied to two electrode terminals whichare provided at the bottom of the right-hand side end portion of thepiezoelectric actuator 312, in response the whole length L of thepiezoelectric actuator expands by dL in the X direction.

As a result of this, as shown in FIG. 11B, one (311 q) of thepiezoelectric actuator end linkages shifts leftwardly by −dL/2, whilethe other piezoelectric actuator end linkage 311 r shifts rightwardly bydL/2. These displacements are transmitted to the displacement pick-outlinkages 311 a and 311 b connected by way of resilient hinges H31 andH36, respectively. Here, the displacement pick-out linkage 311 a whichextends in the Y direction is a portion of an L-shaped linkage that isformed integrally with the displacement converting linkage 311 c,extending rightwardly in the X direction. This L-shaped linkage ispivotally movable about a resilient hinge H32, that is, about the Yaxis. In addition, the right-hand side end of it is connected to thestraight-motion converting linkage 311 s through a resilient hinge H33.

Similarly, the displacement pick-out linkage 311 b which extends in theY direction is a portion of an L-shaped linkage that is formedintegrally with the displacement converting linkage 311 d, extendingleftwardly in the X direction. This L-shaped linkage is pivotallymovable about a resilient hinge H37, that is, about the Y axis. Inaddition, the left-hand side end of it is connected to thestraight-motion converting linkage 311 t through a resilient hinge H38.

In the structure described above, a displacement dX1 of thepiezoelectric actuator end linkage 311 q in the X direction is convertedinto a Z-axis direction displacement dZ3 of the straight-motionconverting linkage 311 s, through a pivotal motion of the L-shapedlinkage. Here, the displacement magnification that corresponds to theratio of dZ3 to dX1 is equal to the ratio between the interspace of thehinges H36 and H37 and the interspace of the hinges H37 and H38.

In the third embodiment of the present invention, the linkage lengthsand hinge positions are so set that this displacement magnificationbecomes approximately equal to 3.

Similarly, the linkages 311 r, 311 b and 311 d and the hinges H36, H37and H38 at the right-hand side are structured to be symmetrical withrespect to the left-hand side linkage mechanism described above.

In summary, an expansion displacement dL of the piezoelectric actuator312 is distributed into a displacement −dL/2 of the piezoelectricactuator end linkage 311 q and a displacement dL/2 of the piezoelectricactuator end linkage 311 r; then direction conversion and displacementmagnification are carried out to them by means of the L-shaped linkage;and finally, they are converted into a Z-direction displacement (3/2)×dLof the lens frame driving linkage 311 g.

Although the lens frame driving linkage 311 g displaces in the Zdirection in response to the extension of the piezoelectric actuator 312as described above, it is preferable that the lens frame driving linkage311 g can displace only in the Z direction and it is not displaceable inthe X and Y directions.

In order to accomplish such structural features, an auxiliary linkage tobe described blow may be added. First of all, in order to restrictmovement of the lens frame driving linkage 311 g in the X direction,supporting linkages 311 e and 311 f are connected to the lower portionof the lens frame driving linkage 311 g.

By means of these supporting linkages 311 e and 311 f, it is assuredthat the lens frame driving linkage 311 g has a displacement freedomwith respect to the Z direction, whereas the freedom in the X directionis restricted. Hence, it is displaceable only in the Z direction.

On the other hand, in order to prevent torsion of the pivotal axis ofthe displacement conversion linkages, the support linkages 311 e and 311f are arranged so that the lengths in the pivotal axis direction of theresilient hinges H32 and H37 each defining a pivot axis are made long.

This will be explained in detail with reference to FIGS. 10A and 10B.The hinge H32 which has been made by a wire electric discharge machiningprocess at the bottom face of the displacement pick-out linkage 311 athat extends in the Y direction, is formed with a largest size, as muchas possible, with respect to the Y-axis direction of the driving systemmain assembly 311.

With this structure, the torsional rigidity about the Z axis of thedirection converting linkage 311 c can be made high, such that unwanteddisplacement in the Y direction of the connection H33 thereof with thestraight-motion linkage 311 s can be avoided effectively. The right-handside hinge H37 has a similar structure.

With the arrangement described above, expansion displacement of thepiezoelectric actuator 312 is magnified by a predetermined ratio and thedirection thereof is converted, and it causes a displacement of the lensframe driving linkage 311 g in the Z-axis direction.

Here, since unwanted displacement in the X and Y directions isrestricted, the lens frame (not shown in these drawings) is drivenprecisely only in the Z direction.

Furthermore, the displacement magnifying ratio for the piezoelectricactuator 312 can be easily set at a desired quantity by appropriatelysetting the interspace between the hinges H31 and H33 and the interspacebetween the hinges H37 and H38.

The driving system 311 of the third embodiment may be replaced by thedriving system 110 of FIGS. 3A-3C, and the control block diagram as wellas the control sequence having been described with reference to FIGS. 6and 7 may be used. In that occasion, similar functions as of the firstembodiment will be provided.

As described above, the driving system according to the third embodimentof the present invention may include (i) driving means for producing adrive displacement in X direction, on the basis of a change in the wholelength thereof or a motion of a displacement output portion thereof,(ii) displacement pick-out means extending in Y direction, orthogonal tothe X direction, to pick out the displacement, and (iii) directionconverting means for converting the displacement picked out by thedisplacement pick-out means into a displacement in Z direction which isorthogonal to both of the X and Y directions. The direction convertingmeans may be disposed in the Y direction, relative to the driving means.

Additionally, the direction converting means may have an approximatelysymmetrical shape with respect to the X direction, and the displacementpick-out means may be pivotally movable about the Y axis. Furthermore,the displacement pick-out means and the direction converting means maybe made substantially from a single piece of material.

In accordance with the third embodiment of the present inventiondescribed hereinbefore, the following advantageous results areobtainable.

3.1 Use of driving means such as a laminated piezoelectric actuatorextending in X direction and a linkage mechanism provided in Y directionorthogonal to the X direction and having a function for converting anoutput displacement of the actuator produced in the X direction into adisplacement in Z direction which is orthogonal to the X and Ydirections, enables provision of a small-thickness driving system withthe size thereof in the Z direction being decreased.

3.2 Since the linkage mechanism has an approximately symmetrical shapewith respect to the X direction, unwanted displacement in the Xdirection can be made quite small.

3.3 A counter linkage for preventing unwanted displacement is omittedand, thus, further reduction in size is possible. Furthermore, sincethere is no load resistance of the counter linkage, a drive displacementof equal amount is obtainable even by use of a lower-output actuator.

3.4 Since the displacement pick-out linkage and the direction convertinglinkage have a large freedom in the linkage length setting. Therefore,the displacement magnifying ratio of the piezoelectric actuator can beset at a desired quantity very easily.

3.5 Since the linkage mechanism having a rigid linkage and a resilienthinge can be made from a single block-like base material, any decreaseof dimensional precision and a decrease of rigidity due to the couplingof plural components can be avoided. Furthermore, the assemblingoperation becomes easier, and in addition to this, it is very convenientin regard to reduction in size.

3.6 A plurality of driving systems are disposed around an opticalelement. This ensures accurate drive of the optical element in a desireddirection while, on the other hand, it enables reduction in size of theoptical element driving system as a whole including an optical elementand driving systems therefor, particularly, in the thickness withrespect to the optical axis direction of the optical element. As aresult of this, each of plural optical elements adjoining to each othercan be equipped with such a driving system. This leads to enlargement ofthe degree of adjustment freedom of the whole optical system and itcontributes to improvements of the optical performance. Furthermore,since the apparatus mechanism as a whole can be made small in size, theinstallment area as well as the cost can be reduced conveniently.

Embodiment 4

In the driving system of the third embodiment described hereinbefore,the linkage mechanism of the driving system main assembly 311 has astructure being approximately symmetrical with respect to the X-axisdirection. As compared with this, in a driving system according to afourth embodiment of the present invention to be described below, theshape in the X direction is made asymmetric like the second embodimentdescribed earlier. This is to simplify the structure.

FIG. 12A is a side view of a driving system main assembly according tothe fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12B is aschematic view for explaining the operation of the linkage mechanism.

In FIGS. 12A and 12B, the mechanism comprises a fixed barrel 101, adriving mechanism main assembly 411, a piezoelectric actuator 412 havingpiezoelectric output ends 412 a and 412 b, a piezoelectric actuatoradjusting screw 413, and mount screws 414. The driving mechanism mainassembly 411 includes a displacement pick-out linkage 411 a, apiezoelectric actuator fixing portion 411 b, a direction convertinglinkage 411 c, supporting linkages 411 e and 411 f, a lens frame drivinglinkage 411 g, lens frame mount screw bores 411 j, a piezoelectricactuator abutment 411 k, an adjusting screw bore 411 m, bottom notches411 p, a piezoelectric actuator end linkage 411 q, a straight-motionconverting linkage 411 s, and a bottom 411 w.

In FIG. 12A, the lens barrel 101 has a flat portion. The driving systemmain assembly 411 has a linkage mechanism having been made from a singlemetal block in accordance with a wire electric discharge machiningprocess and a cutting process. The piezoelectric actuator 412 oflamination type has the same structure as of the piezoelectric actuator112 of the first embodiment, and it includes a driving source havingalternately layered electrostrictive elements and electrodes, whichdriving source is sealingly housed in a closed type cylindricalcontainer. The whole length of the piezoelectric actuator with respectto the X-axis direction is expandable approximately in proportion to anapplied voltage thereto. The piezoelectric actuator adjusting screw 413is provided to correct any dimensional error of the actuator 412, and itis interposed between the driving system main assembly 411 and theactuator 412.

The mount screws 414 serve to fixedly connect the driving system mainassembly 411 to the barrel 101.

Although illustration of a plan view of this driving system mainassembly 411 will be omitted here, like the driving system of the thirdembodiment, there is only the linkage mechanism disposed in front of thepiezoelectric actuator 412.

The driving system main assembly 411 can be made in a similar manner asthe driving system main assembly 111 of the first embodiment.Description thereof will be omitted here for this reason.

Referring to FIG. 12A, the assembling procedure of the driving systemwill be explained.

First of all, the piezoelectric actuator 412 is put into an insidecentral space of the driving system main assembly 411. After this, thepiezoelectric actuator adjusting screw 413 is screwed into thepiezoelectric actuator adjusting screw bore 411 m, formed in thepiezoelectric actuator fixing portion 211 b, from the right-hand sidethereof to push the bottom 412 b of the piezoelectric actuator 412leftwardly, until the output end 412 a of the piezoelectric actuator 412abuts against the right-hand end face of the displacement pick-outlinkage 411 a of the linkage mechanism. Then, the mounting ofpiezoelectric actuator 412 is completed.

If a predetermined voltage is applied to two electrode terminals whichare provided at the bottom of the right-hand side end portion of thepiezoelectric actuator 412, in response the whole length L of thepiezoelectric actuator 412 expands by dL in the X direction.

Referring now to FIG. 12B, the operation of the linkage mechanism willbe explained.

The piezoelectric actuator fixing portion 411 b provided at theright-hand side end of the driving system main assembly 411 is a rigidmaterial portion being continuous from the bottom 411 w. Therefore, ifthe whole length L of the piezoelectric actuator 412 expands by dL inthe X direction, since the piezoelectric actuator fixing portion isimmovable, only the displacement pick-out linkage 411 a at the left-handend displaces leftwardly by dX1=−dL.

As a result of this, an L-shaped direction converting linkage providedby an integral structure of the displacement pick-out linkage 411 a andthe direction converting linkage 411 c pivotally rotates about aresilient hinge H42, which in turn causes upward movement of thestraight motion converting linkage 411 s in the Z-axis direction by anamount of dZ3.

The ratio of dZ to dX1 at this moment is determined by the interspacesof the three hinges, similarly in accordance with the principledescribed with reference to the third embodiment.

In the fourth embodiment as well, the displacement magnifying ratio isset to about 3.

In response to the expansion displacement dL of the piezoelectricactuator 412, the lens frame driving linkage 411 g is moved upwardly byabout 3 dL along the Z-axis direction. Therefore, the lens frame 104(not shown) which is connected to the lens frame mounting screw bores411 (not shown in these drawing) formed at the top face of the lensframe driving linkage 411 g is similarly moved upwardly by about 3 dLalong the Z direction.

Although the lens frame driving linkage 411 g displaces in the Zdirection in response to the extension of the piezoelectric actuator 412as described above, it is desired that the lens frame driving linkage411 g can displace only in the Z direction and it is not displaceable inthe X and Y directions.

In order to accomplish such structural features, like the thirdembodiment, an auxiliary linkage to be described blow may be added.

First of all, in order to restrict movement of the lens frame drivinglinkage 411 g in the X direction, supporting linkages 411 e and 411 fare connected to the lower portion and the right-hand end portion of thelens frame driving linkage 411 g, respectively.

Here, since the right-hand end supporting linkage 411 f provides aparallel linkage mechanism, it is assured that the lens frame drivinglinkage 411 g has a displacement freedom with respect to the Zdirection, whereas the freedom in the X direction is restricted. Inaddition, any rotational motion about the Y axis is restricted.

Furthermore, like the third embodiment, due to the support linkage 411f, the displacement pick-out linkage 411 a extends in the Y directionand, therefore, the length of the resilient hinge H42 which defines thepivot center of the L-shaped direction converting linkage becomes large.As a result of this, unwanted torsion of the L-shaped directionconverting linkage about the Z axis is avoided.

This assures that the region around the lens frame mounting screw bores411 j, provided in the lens frame driving linkage 411 g, is displaceableonly in the Z direction, and the freedom thereof with respect to the Xand Y directions is restricted. Therefore, the lens frame 104 can bedriven in the Z direction very accurately.

The driving system 411 of the fourth embodiment may be replaced by thedriving system 110 of FIGS. 3A-3C, and the control block diagram as wellas the control sequence having been described with reference to FIGS. 6and 7 may be used. In that occasion, similar functions as of the firstembodiment will be provided.

As described above, the driving system according to the fourthembodiment of the present invention may include (i) driving means forproducing a drive displacement in X direction on the basis of a changein the whole length thereof or a motion of a displacement output portionthereof, (ii) displacement pick-out means extending in Y direction,orthogonal to the X direction, to pick out the displacement, and (iii)direction converting means for converting the displacement picked out bythe displacement pick-out means into a displacement in Z direction whichis orthogonal to both of the X and Y directions. The directionconverting means may be disposed in the Y direction, relative to thedriving means.

In addition to this, the direction converting means may have anasymmetrical shape with respect to the X direction, and an end of thedriving means may be substantially fixed to the fixed portion of thedriving system. Also, the direction converting means may be disposed atan opposite side of the fixed portion of the driving means with respectto the X direction. Furthermore, the displacement pick-out means may bemade pivotally movable about the Y axis. On the other hand, thedisplacement pick-out means and the direction converting means may bemade substantially from of a single piece of material.

In accordance with the fourth embodiment of the present inventiondescribed hereinbefore, the following advantageous results areobtainable.

4.1 Use of driving means such as a laminated piezoelectric actuatorextending in X direction and a linkage mechanism provided in Y directionorthogonal to the X direction and having a function for converting anoutput displacement of the actuator produced in the X direction into adisplacement in Z direction which is orthogonal to the X and Ydirections, enables provision of a small-thickness driving system withthe size thereof in the Z direction being decreased.

4.2 Since an end of the actuator is connected to a fixed portion, therigidity of the linkage mechanism in the Y direction can be made high.As a result, any resonance due to transmission of unwanted outsidevibration can be reduced effectively.

4.3 A counter linkage for preventing unwanted displacement is omittedand, thus, further reduction in size is possible. Furthermore, sincethere is no load resistance of the counter linkage, a drive displacementof equal amount is obtainable even by use of a lower-output actuator.

4.4 Since the displacement pick-out linkage and the direction convertinglinkage have a large freedom in the linkage length setting. Therefore,the displacement magnifying ratio of the piezoelectric actuator can beset at a desired quantity very easily.

4.5 Since the linkage mechanism having a rigid linkage and a resilienthinge can be made from a single block-like base material, any decreaseof dimensional precision and a decrease of rigidity due to the couplingof plural components can be avoided. Furthermore, the assemblingoperation becomes easier, and in addition to this, it is very convenientin regard to reduction in size.

4.6 A plurality of driving systems are disposed around an opticalelement. This ensures accurate drive of the optical element in a desireddirection while, on the other hand, it enables reduction in size of theoptical element driving system as a whole including an optical elementand driving systems therefor, particularly, in the thickness withrespect to the optical axis direction of the optical element. As aresult of this, each of plural optical elements adjoining to each othercan be equipped with such a driving system. This leads to enlargement ofthe degree of adjustment freedom of the whole optical system and itcontributes to improvements of the optical performance. Furthermore,since the apparatus mechanism as a whole can be made small in size, theinstallment area as well as the cost can be reduced conveniently.

Embodiment 5

In the first to fourth embodiments of the present invention describedhereinbefore, a structural member for picking out an output displacementof the actuator and a linkage mechanism member for performing directionconversion to the displacement have a shape by which they can be madefrom a single base material. In a driving system according to a fifthembodiment of the present invention to be described below, thesestructural components are made separate for further reduction inthickness of the structure.

FIGS. 13A and 13B through FIGS. 15A and 15B are illustrations concerninga driving system according to the fifth embodiment of the presentinvention.

Specifically, FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate details of the driving systemof this embodiment, wherein FIG. 13A is a plan view of it as the same isseen from the above along the optical axis direction of the lens, andFIG. 13B is a side view of the same as seen from the lens center. The Xaxis, Y axis and Z axis are defined as illustrated, similarly to thefirst embodiment.

In FIGS. 13A and 913B, the mechanism comprises a fixed barrel 101, adriving mechanism main assembly 511, a piezoelectric actuator 512 havingpiezoelectric output ends 512 a and 512 b, a piezoelectric actuatoradjusting screw 513, a driving mechanism mount screws 514, a directionconverting member 515, converting member connecting screws 516, andconverging member mounting screws 517. The driving mechanism mainassembly 511 includes displacement pick-out linkages 511 a and 511 b,coupling linkages 511 e and 511 f, a fixed linkage 511 h, apiezoelectric actuator abutment 511 k, an adjusting screw bore 511 m,piezoelectric actuator end linkages 511 q and 511 r, and an adjustingscrew clearance bore 511 u.

The direction converting member 515 includes horizontal linkages 515 aand 515 b, direction converting linkages 515 c and 515 d, supportinglinkages 515 e and 515 f, a lens frame driving linkage 515 g, lens framemounting screw bores 515 j, supporting linkages 515 s and 515 t, and abottom 515 w.

The barrel 101 has a flat portion such as shown in FIG. 3A-3C. Thedriving system main assembly 511 has a linkage mechanism having beenmade from a single metal block in accordance with a wire electricdischarge machining process and a cutting process. The piezoelectricactuator 512 of lamination type has a similar structure as of thepiezoelectric actuator 112 of the first embodiment, and it includes adriving source having alternately layered electrostrictive elements andelectrodes, which driving source is sealingly housed in a closed typecylindrical container. The whole length of the piezoelectric actuator512 with respect to the X-axis direction is expandable approximately inproportion to an applied voltage thereto. The piezoelectric actuatoradjusting screw 513 is provided to correct any dimensional error of theactuator 512, and it is interposed between the driving system mainassembly 511 and the actuator 512. The mount screws 514 serve to fixedlyconnect the driving system main assembly 511 to the barrel 101.

The direction converting member 515 functions to convert an outputdisplacement, transmitted to the driving system main assembly 511 fromthe piezoelectric actuator 512, into a displacement in Z direction.

The connecting screws 516 connect the coupling linkages 51 e and 511 fwhich are displacement output portions of the driving system mainassembly 511, to the horizontal linkages 511 a and 511 b which aredisplacement input portions of the direction converting member 515.

The mounting screws 517 connect the direction converting member 515 tothe lens barrel 101.

FIGS. 14A-14C show details of the linkage mechanism wherein thepiezoelectric actuator 512 and the piezoelectric actuator adjustingscrew 513 are demounted from the driving system main assembly 511. Here,FIG. 14A is a plane view, FIG. 14B is a perspective view, and FIG. 14Cis a perspective view.

Referring to FIGS. 14A-14C, the manner how to make the driving systemmain assembly 511 and the direction converting member 515 will beexplained below.

First of all, as regards the driving system main assembly 511, theoutside configuration of the linkage mechanism such as shown in FIG. 14Ais created from a base material which is a plate-like metal block havinga predetermined thickness, in accordance with a wire electric dischargemachining process.

Subsequently, by using a drilling machine, a bore for central screw boreis formed and, thereafter, from the side faces of opposite arm portions,bores for mounting screw bores and a screw clearance bore are machined.Finally, the adjusting screw bore 511 m for receiving the piezoelectricactuator adjusting screw 513 is threaded, by which the machining iscompleted.

As regards the direction converting member 515, on the other hand, theoutside configuration and slits of the linkage mechanism such as shownin FIG. 14B are created from a base material which is a plate-like metalblock, in accordance with a wire electric discharge machining process.Subsequently, by using a drilling machine, bores for lens frame mountingscrew bores 515 j shown at the middle of FIG. 14A are formed and, afterthat, from the opposite side faces, bores for the mounting screw boresand a screw clearance bore are machined. Finally, the lens framemounting screw bores 515 j and the bores of the horizontal linkages 515a and 515 b are threaded, by which the machining is completed.

Referring to FIGS. 13A and 13B and FIGS. 14A-14C, the assemblingprocedure of the driving system of the fifth embodiment will beexplained.

First of all, in the perspective view of FIG. 14C, the left-hand andright-hand arms of the driving system main assembly 511 are insertedinto two windows of the direction converting member 515. Then, thesearms are connected by means of the connecting screws 516, as shown inFIG. 13A. Subsequently, the piezoelectric actuator 512 is put into aninside central space of the driving system main assembly 511. Afterthis, the piezoelectric actuator adjusting screw 513 is screwed into thepiezoelectric actuator adjusting screw bore 511 m from the right-handside thereof, to push the bottom 512 b of the piezoelectric actuator 512leftwardly, until the output end 512 a of the piezoelectric actuator 512abuts against the right-hand end face of the piezoelectric actuator endlinkage 511 q of the linkage mechanism. Then, the mounting ofpiezoelectric actuator 512 is completed. Finally, by means of themounting screws 514 and 517, the linkage mechanism is fixed to thebarrel 101. Then, the assembling is completed.

FIGS. 15A and 15B are illustrations for explaining the linkage operationof the driving system main assembly 511 and the direction convertingmember 515. Here, the driving system main assembly 511 is illustratedschematically on the basis of the plan view of FIG. 14A, while thedirection converting member 515 is illustrated schematically on thebasis of the side view of FIG. 14B.

Referring to FIGS. 13A and 13B and FIGS. 15A and 15B, the operationalprinciple of the driving system according to the fifth embodiment willbe explained.

If a predetermined voltage is applied to two electrode terminals whichare provided at the bottom of the right-hand side end portion of thepiezoelectric actuator 512, in response the whole length L of thepiezoelectric actuator 512 expands by dL in the X-axis direction. As aresult of this, as shown at the top of FIG. 15A, one (511 q) of thepiezoelectric actuator end linkages shifts leftwardly by dX1=−dL/2,while the other piezoelectric actuator end linkage 511 r shiftsrightwardly by dX2=dL/2. Here, the displacement pick-out linkages 511 aand 511 b which are arranged to be pivotally rotatable about hinges H52and H57, respectively, and which extend in the Y direction are pivotallymoved about the Z axis by a predetermined small angle. The couplinglinkage 511 e displaces by dX3, and the coupling linkage displaces bydX4.

The displacements of these coupling linkages 511 e and 511 f in theX-axis direction are transmitted to the horizontal linkages 515 a and515 f of the direction converting member 515, respectively, as shown atthe bottom of FIG. 15A.

The direction converting linkages 515 c and 515 d which are disposed atan angle of about 45 degrees with respect to the X axis are pivotallymoved, by which the lens frame driving linkage 515 g is moved upwardlyin the Z-axis direction by dZ5.

Although the lens frame driving linkage 511 g displaces in the Zdirection in response to the extension of the piezoelectric actuator 512as described above, it is preferable that the lens frame driving linkage511 g can displace only in the Z direction and it is not displaceable inthe X and Y directions.

In order to accomplish such structural features, an auxiliary linkage tobe described blow may be added.

First of all, in order to restrict movement of the lens frame drivinglinkage 511 g in the X direction, supporting linkages 511 e and 511 fare connected to the left-hand side and right-hand side of the lensframe driving linkage 511 g.

By means of these supporting linkages, it is assured that the lens framedriving linkage 511 g has a displacement freedom with respect to the Zdirection, whereas the freedom in the X direction is restricted.

On the other hand, in order to restrict motion of the lens frame drivinglinkage 515 g in the Y direction, other supporting linkages 515 s and515 t are provided.

These supporting linkages 515 s and 515 t are provided in a regioncloser to the center of the horizontal linkages 515 a and 515 b. Theyfunction to restrict the freedom of the horizontal linkages in the Ydirection, while keeping their freedom with respect to the X direction.

Hence, the Y-axis restriction effect of the horizontal linkages 515 aand 515 b is transmitted to the lens frame driving linkage 515 g throughthe direction converting linkages 515 c and 515 c.

With the structure described above, it is assured that the region aroundthe lens frame mounting screw bores 511 j in the lens frame mountinglinkage 515 g is displaceable only in the Z direction, and the freedomthereof with respect to the X and Y directions is restricted. Therefore,the lens frame 104 can be driven in the Z direction very accurately.

Furthermore, the displacement magnifying ratio for the piezoelectricactuator 512 can be easily set at a desired quantity by appropriatelysetting the interspaces among the hinges H51, H52 and H53 and theinterspaces among the hinges H56, H57 and H58.

The driving system 511 of the fifth embodiment may be replaced by thedriving system 110 of FIGS. 3A-3C, and the control block diagram as wellas the control sequence having been described with reference to FIGS. 6and 7 may be used. In that occasion, similar functions as of the firstembodiment will be provided.

As described above, the driving system according to the fifth embodimentof the present invention may include (i) driving means for producing adrive displacement in X direction, on the basis of a change in the wholelength thereof or a motion of a displacement output portion thereof,(ii) displacement pick-out means extending in Y direction, orthogonal tothe X direction, to pick out the displacement, and (iii) directionconverting means for converting the displacement picked out by thedisplacement pick-out means into a displacement in Z direction which isorthogonal to both of the X and Y directions. The direction convertingmeans may be disposed in the Y direction, relative to the driving means.Additionally, the direction converting means may have an approximatelysymmetrical shape with respect to the X direction, and the displacementpick-out means may be pivotally movable about the Z axis. Furthermore,the displacement pick-out means and the direction converting means maybe made from separate members and then coupled together thereafter.

In accordance with the fifth embodiment of the present inventiondescribed hereinbefore, the following advantageous results areobtainable.

5.1 Use of driving means such as a laminated piezoelectric actuatorextending in X direction and a linkage mechanism provided in Y directionorthogonal to the X direction and having a function for converting anoutput displacement of the actuator produced in the X direction into adisplacement in Z direction which is orthogonal to the X and Ydirections, enables provision of a small-thickness driving system withthe size thereof in the Z direction being decreased.

5.2 Since the linkage mechanism has an approximately symmetrical shapewith respect to the X direction, unwanted displacement in the Xdirection can be made quite small.

5.3 Linkage means for restricting the freedom with respect to the Xdirection is provided adjacent to the opposite sides of the finaldisplacement output end. This assures minimization of unwanteddisplacement in the X direction and, in addition to this, the rigidityin that direction can be made quite large.

5.4 The design freedom with respect to the positions of three resilienthinges to be provided on the displacement pick-out linkage is very largeand, therefore, the displacement magnifying ratio of the piezoelectricactuator can be easily set to a desired quantity.

5.5 The output displacement pick-out member of the actuator and thedirection converting member for the picked out displacement are made asseparate members. With this arrangement, the size of the linkagemechanism at its largest thickness portion can be made small as like theheight of the actuator. Hence, this embodiment provides a thin-typedriving system with its Z-direction dimension being further reduced.

5.6 A plurality of driving systems are disposed around an opticalelement. This ensures accurate drive of the optical element in a desireddirection while, on the other hand, it enables reduction in size of theoptical element driving system as a whole including an optical elementand driving systems therefor, particularly, in the thickness withrespect to the optical axis direction of the optical element. As aresult of this, each of plural optical elements adjoining to each othercan be equipped with such a driving system. This leads to enlargement ofthe degree of adjustment freedom of the whole optical system and itcontributes to improvements of the optical performance. Furthermore,since the apparatus mechanism as a whole can be made small in size, theinstallment area as well as the cost can be reduced conveniently.

Embodiment 6

In a driving system according to a sixth embodiment of the presentinvention to be described below, the third and fifth embodimentsdescribed above are combined together so as to provide a driving systemin which the mechanical characteristics are improved further.

FIGS. 16A and 16B through FIGS. 18A and 18B are illustrations concerningthe driving system according to the sixth embodiment of the presentinvention.

Specifically, FIGS. 16A and 16B illustrate details of the driving systemof the sixth embodiment, wherein FIG. 16A is a plan view of it as thesame is seen from the above along the optical axis direction of thelens, and FIG. 16B is a side view of the same as seen from the lenscenter. The X axis, Y axis and Z axis are defined as illustrated,similarly to the first embodiment.

In FIGS. 16A and 16B, the mechanism comprises a fixed barrel 101, adriving mechanism main assembly 611, a piezoelectric actuator 612 havingpiezoelectric output ends 612 a and 612 b, a piezoelectric actuatoradjusting screw 613, and a driving mechanism mount screws 614. Thedriving mechanism main assembly 611 includes displacement pick-outlinkages 611 a and 611 b, direction converting linkages 611 c and 611 d,supporting linkages 611 e and 611 f, a lens frame driving linkage 611 gtherefor, lens frame mount screw bores 611 j, a piezoelectric actuatorabutment 611 k, an adjusting screw bore 611 m, bottom notches 611 p,piezoelectric actuator end linkages 611 q and 611 r, supporting linkages611 s and 611 t, an adjusting screw clearance bore 611 u, horizontallinkages 611 h and 611 v, and a bottom 611 w.

The barrel 101 has a flat portion. The driving system main assembly 611has a linkage mechanism having been made from a single metal block inaccordance with a wire electric discharge machining process and acutting process.

The piezoelectric actuator 612 of lamination type has a similarstructure as of the piezoelectric actuator 112 of the first embodiment,and it includes a driving source having alternately layeredelectrostrictive elements and electrodes, which driving source issealingly housed in a closed type cylindrical container. The wholelength of the piezoelectric actuator 612 with respect to the X-axisdirection is expandable approximately in proportion to an appliedvoltage thereto. The piezoelectric actuator adjusting screw 613 isprovided to correct any dimensional error of the actuator 612, and it isinterposed between the driving system main assembly 611 and the actuator612. The mount screws 614 are screwed into the fixed barrel, from thetop surface side of the driving system main assembly 611.

FIGS. 17A-17C show details of the linkage mechanism wherein thepiezoelectric actuator 612 and the piezoelectric actuator adjustingscrew 613 are demounted from the driving system main assembly 611. Here,FIG. 17A is a plane view, FIG. 17B is a side view and FIG. 17C is aperspective view.

Referring to FIGS. 17A-17C, the manner how to make the driving systemmain assembly 611 will be explained below.

First of all, from a metal block which is a base material, by milling,the outermost configuration surface of the linkage mechanism isproduced. Furthermore, by milling, the surface of the bottom 611 w ofthe mechanism shown in FIG. 17A is formed. Subsequently, the portions attwo locations M1 and M2 on the top surface, shown in FIG. 17C, areremoved by milling, whereby grooves M1 and M2 are formed. This millingprocess is carried out so as to avoid that resilient hinges H63 and H68which are going to be produced later by a wire electric dischargemachining process (to be described later) are created at incorrectpositions. After this, in order to remove corner portions of the bottomplate 611 w, bottom notches 611 p are formed by a wire electricdischarge machining process.

Subsequently, by wire electric discharge machining, a slit shown in theside view of FIG. 17B is formed. By forming this slit, the linkagestructure is produced. More specifically, linkage structure componentsdepicted at 611 a, 611 b, 611 c, 611 d, 611 e, 611 f, 611 g, 611 h, 611i, 611 j, 611 k, 6111, 611 m, 611 n, 611 o, 611 p, 611 q, 611 r, 611 s,611 t, 611 u, 611 v, 611 w, 611 x, and 611 y, as well as resilienthinges for connecting these linkages are formed. After this, by milling,portions at locations M3 and M4 shown in FIG. 17C are removed, wherebycounterbores M3 and M4 are defined. This milling process is carried outto remove unnecessary portions of resilient hinges H61 and H66 havingbeen produced by the preceding wire electric discharge machiningprocess.

Finally, by using a drilling machine, bores for lens frame mountingscrew bores 611 j, piezoelectric actuator adjusting screw bore 611 m,and three bores for connection with the fixed barrel are machined andthen they are threaded. By this, the linkage mechanism is accomplished.With the procedure described above, the linkage mechanism of the drivingsystem main assembly 611 can be produced out of a single metal block.

Referring now to FIGS. 16A and 16B, the assembling procedure of thedriving system according to the sixth embodiment will be explained.

First of all, the piezoelectric actuator 612 is put into an insidecentral space of the driving system main assembly 611. After this, thepiezoelectric actuator adjusting screw 613 is screwed into thepiezoelectric actuator adjusting screw bore 611 m from the right-handside thereof, to push the bottom 612 b of the piezoelectric actuator 612leftwardly, until the output end 612 a of the piezoelectric actuator 612abuts against the right-hand end face of the piezoelectric actuator endlinkage 611 q of the linkage mechanism. Then, the mounting ofpiezoelectric actuator 612 is completed.

Subsequently, by means of the mounting screws 614, the driving systemmain assembly 611 is fixed to the barrel 101. Then, the assembling iscompleted.

FIGS. 18A and 18B are illustrations for explaining the linkage operationof the driving system main assembly 611, wherein FIG. 18A is a side viewcorresponding to FIG. 16B, and FIG. 18B is a schematic illustration ofthe same.

Referring to FIGS. 16A, 16B, 17A, 17B, 17C, 18A and 18B, the operationalprinciple of the driving system according to the sixth embodiment of thepresent invention will be explained.

First of all, if a predetermined voltage is applied to two electrodeterminals which are provided at the bottom of the right-hand side endportion of the piezoelectric actuator 612, in response the whole lengthL of the piezoelectric actuator 612 expands by dL in the X-axisdirection. Then, one (611 q) of the piezoelectric actuator end linkagesshifts leftwardly by dX1=−dL/2, while the other piezoelectric actuatorend linkage 611 r shifts rightwardly by dX2=dL/2. The displacements ofthese linkages are transmitted to the displacement pick-out linkages 611a and 611 b extending in the Y direction, through hinges H61 and H66.

Here, since the displacement pick-out linkages 611 a and 611 b arearranged to be pivotally rotatable about hinges H62 and H67,respectively, the displacement pick-out linkages 611 a and 611 b arepivotally moved about the Y axis by a predetermined small angle. As aresult of this, the upper end of the displacement pick-out linkage 611 adisplaces in the X direction by about dX3=−dL, while the upper end ofthe linkage 611 b displaces in the X direction by about dX3=dL. Here,these displacement pick-out linkages 611 a and 611 b are connected tohorizontal linkages 611 h and 611 y extending in the X direction,through hinges H63 and H68, respectively. Therefore, the horizontallinkage 611 h displaces in the X direction by about dX3=−dL, while thehorizontal linkage 611 y displaces in the X direction by about dX3=dL.Hence, the direction converting linkages 611 c and 611 d which aredisposed at an angle of about 45 degrees with respect to the X axis arepivotally moved, such that the lens frame driving linkage 611 g is movedupwardly in the Z direction by an amount dZ5≈dL.

Although the lens frame driving linkage 611 g displaces in the Zdirection in response to the extension of the piezoelectric actuator 612as described above, it is preferable that the lens frame driving linkage611 g can displace only in the Z direction and it is not displaceable inthe X and Y directions.

In order to accomplish such structural features, an auxiliary linkage tobe described blow may be added.

First of all, in order to restrict movement of the lens frame drivinglinkage 611 g in the X direction, supporting linkages 611 e and 611 fare connected to the left-hand side and right-hand side of the lensframe driving linkage 611 g. By means of these supporting linkages 611 eand 611 f, it is assured that the lens frame driving linkage 611 g has adisplacement freedom with respect to the Z direction, whereas thefreedom in the X direction is strictly restricted.

On the other hand, in order to restrict motion of the lens frame drivinglinkage 611 g in the Y direction, other supporting linkages 611 s and611 t are provided. These supporting linkages 611 s and 611 t areprovided in a region closer to the center of the horizontal linkages 611h and 611 y. They function to restrict the freedom of the horizontallinkages in the Y direction, while keeping their freedom with respect tothe X direction. Hence, the Y-axis restriction effect of the horizontallinkages 611 h and 611 y is transmitted to the lens frame drivinglinkage 611 g through the direction converting linkages 611 c and 611 d.

Next, the shape of the hinge H61 or H63 will be supplemented. The hingeH63 is formed by wire electric discharge machining as shown in the sideview of FIG. 18A. Since it should connect only the displacement pick-outlinkage 611 a and the horizontal linkage 611 h, the size thereof in thedepth direction has to be confined within the range corresponding to theY-direction size of the supporting linkage 611 a shown in the plan viewof FIG. 17A.

Hence, as described hereinbefore, the groove portion M1 shown in FIG.17A is removed by milling beforehand. It is assured with this procedurethat the hinge H63 can be formed only at the connection between thedisplacement pick-out linkage 611 a and the horizontal linkage 611 h.

On the other hand, the hinge H61 as well is formed by wire electricdischarge machining as shown in the side view of FIG. 18A. Since thehinge H61 should connect only the displacement pick-out linkage 611 aand the piezoelectric actuator end linkage 611 q, the size thereof inthe depth direction has to be confined within the range corresponding tothe Y-direction size of the piezoelectric actuator end linkage 611 qshown in the plan view of FIG. 17A.

Hence, as described hereinbefore, the groove portion M3 shown in FIG.17C is removed by milling beforehand. It is assured with this procedurethat the hinge H61 can be formed only at the connection between thedisplacement pick-out linkage 611 a and the piezoelectric actuator endlinkage 611 q.

As regards the hinge H62 which provides a pivot center of thedisplacement pick-out linkage 611 a extending in the Y direction, sinceit is made by machining based on wire electric discharge machining andwithout removal by milling, in the Y-axis direction in FIG. 17A it isformed continuously from the top end to the bottom end of the drivingsystem main assembly 611.

Hence, the displacement pick-out linkage 611 a is movable only pivotallyabout the Y axis, such that it provides a very high rigidity withrespect to torsion about X and Z axes. Resilient hinges H66 and H68disposed at positions symmetrical with the resilient hinges H61 and H63may be formed with a similar procedure.

With the structure described above, it is assured that the region aroundthe screw bores 611 j in the lens frame mounting linkage 611 g isdisplaceable only in the Z direction, and the freedom thereof withrespect to the X and Y directions is restricted. Therefore, the lensframe (not shown) can be driven in the Z direction very accurately.

The driving system 611 of the sixth embodiment may be replaced by thedriving system 110 of FIGS. 3A-3C, and the control block diagram as wellas the control sequence having been described with reference to FIGS. 6and 7 may be used. In that occasion, similar functions as of the firstembodiment will be provided.

As described above, the driving system according to the sixth embodimentof the present invention may include (i) driving means for producing adrive displacement in X direction, on the basis of a change in the wholelength thereof or a motion of a displacement output portion thereof,(ii) displacement pick-out means extending in Y direction, orthogonal tothe X direction, to pick out the displacement, and (iii) directionconverting means for converting the displacement picked out by thedisplacement pick-out means into a displacement in Z direction which isorthogonal to both of the X and Y directions. The direction convertingmeans may be disposed in the Y direction, relative to the driving means.Additionally, the direction converting means may have an approximatelysymmetrical shape with respect to the X direction, and the displacementpick-out means may be pivotally movable about the Y axis. Furthermore,the displacement pick-out means and the direction converting means maybe made substantially from a single piece of material.

In accordance with the sixth embodiment of the present inventiondescribed hereinbefore, the following advantageous results areobtainable.

6.1 Use of driving means such as a laminated piezoelectric actuatorextending in X direction and a linkage mechanism provided in Y directionorthogonal to the X direction and having a function for converting anoutput displacement of the actuator produced in the X direction into adisplacement in Z direction which is orthogonal to the X and Ydirections, enables provision of a small-thickness driving system withthe size thereof in the Z direction being decreased.

6.2 Since the linkage mechanism has an approximately symmetrical shapewith respect to the X direction, unwanted displacement in the Xdirection can be made quite small.

6.3 A counter linkage for preventing unwanted displacement is omittedand, thus, further reduction in size is possible. Furthermore, sincethere is no load resistance of the counter linkage, a drive displacementof equal amount is obtainable even by use of a lower-output actuator.

6.4 The design freedom with respect to the positions of three resilienthinges to be provided on the displacement pick-out linkage is very largeand, therefore, the displacement magnifying ratio of the piezoelectricactuator can be easily set to a desired quantity.

6.5 Since the linkage mechanism having a rigid linkage and a resilienthinge can be made from a single block-like base material, any decreaseof dimensional precision and a decrease of rigidity due to the couplingof plural components can be avoided. Furthermore, the assemblingoperation becomes easier, and in addition to this, it is very convenientin regard to reduction in size.

6.6 A plurality of driving systems are disposed around an opticalelement. This ensures accurate drive of the optical element in a desireddirection while, on the other hand, it enables reduction in size of theoptical element driving system as a whole including an optical elementand driving systems therefor, particularly, in the thickness withrespect to the optical axis direction of the optical element. As aresult of this, each of plural optical elements adjoining to each othercan be equipped with such a driving system. This leads to enlargement ofthe degree of adjustment freedom of the whole optical system and itcontributes to improvements of the optical performance. Furthermore,since the apparatus mechanism as a whole can be made small in size, theinstallment area as well as the cost can be reduced conveniently.

6.7 Since a linkage member for restricting X-axis displacement isprovided near the final displacement output portion, the rigidity ofthat final displacement output portion with respect to the X directionis improved and, in addition to it, unwanted displacement can be reducedmuch more.

Further Embodiment

Although the foregoing embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed with reference to examples wherein a lamination typepiezoelectric actuator having a variable length is used as a drivingmeans, any other driving means may be used.

An example is shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B wherein a precisionstraight-motion mechanism having a combination of a motor and a ballscrew is incorporated into the linkage mechanism of the firstembodiment.

In the plane view of FIG. 19A, the driving system main assembly 711 hasa structure similar to that of the driving system main assembly 111 ofthe first embodiment.

In FIGS. 19A and 19B, the mechanism comprises a fixed barrel 101, adriving mechanism main assembly 711, a straight-motion mechanism 712having displacement output means 712 a, a motor main assembly 712 b andstraight motion converting means 712 c, as well as mount screws 714, 715and 716. The driving mechanism main assembly 711 includes displacementpick-out linkages 711 a and 711 b, direction converting linkages 711 cand 711 d, supporting linkages 711 e and 711 f, a lens frame drivinglinkage 711 g, a counter linkage 711 h, lens frame mount screw bores 711j, a straight-motion mechanism abutment 711 k, bottom notches 711 p, anda bottom 711 w.

The driving system comprises a motor main assembly 712 a which includesa straight-motion actuator 712, a stepping motor or an ultrasonic motor,for example. The straight-motion converting means 712 c comprises acombination of a linear guide and a ball screw. The displacement outputmeans 712 a is arranged to perform translational motion in the X-axisdirection. The motor main assembly 712 b is connected to thedisplacement pick-out linkage 711 b by means of screws 715. Thedisplacement output means 711 a is fixed to the displacement pick-outlinkage 711 a by means of screws 716.

The structure of the remaining portion of this embodiment is similar tothat of the first embodiment.

The straight-motion actuator 712 of this embodiment may, as a matter ofcourse, be applied to the second, third, fourth, fifth and sixthembodiments of the present invention.

The direction converting linkage in the first, second, fourth, fifth andsixth embodiments of the present invention is arranged so that the angledefined between the X axis and a line that connects the hinges at theopposite ends is approximately equal to 45 degrees. However, whiletaking into account the output displacement characteristics of theactuator as well as the maximum quantity of drive displacement to berequired for the optical element, the linkage angle may be setappropriately within the range from about 20 degrees to 70 degrees.

While the invention has been described with reference to the structuresdisclosed herein, it is not confined to the details set forth and thisapplication is intended to cover such modifications or changes as maycome within the purposes of the improvements or the scope of thefollowing claims.

This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No.2005-078559 filed Mar. 18, 2005, for which is hereby incorporated byreference.

1. A driving system for driving an optical element in a first direction,comprising: a linear actuator for producing a displacement in a seconddirection perpendicular to the first direction; a displacement pickingunit being extendable in a third direction, perpendicular to both of thefirst and second directions, for picking out a displacement of saidlinear actuator; and a direction converting unit disposed at thethird-direction side of said linear actuator, for converting a directionof the displacement picked out by said displacement picking unit.
 2. Adriving system according to claim 1, wherein said direction convertingunit has a shape approximately symmetrical with respect to a singleplane which is parallel to both of the first and third directions.
 3. Adriving system according to claim 1, wherein said displacement pickingunit is connected to opposite ends of said linear actuator with respectto the first direction.
 4. A driving system according to claim 1,wherein said displacement picking unit is movable in the first andsecond directions and wherein movement thereof in rotational directionsabout the first, second and third directions, respectively, isrestricted.
 5. A driving system according to claim 1, further comprisinga second unit having approximately the same shape as of said directionconverting unit, wherein said direction converting unit and said secondunit are disposed at opposite sides of said linear actuator with respectto the third direction.
 6. A driving system according to claim 1,wherein said displacement picking unit and said direction convertingunit are made integrally from a single metal block.
 7. A driving systemaccording to claim 1, further comprising a support unit coupled to saiddirection converting unit, for avoiding motion of the optical element inthe second and third direction.
 8. An exposure apparatus, comprising: aprojection optical unit for projecting a pattern onto a substrate; and adriving system as recited in claim 1, for driving an optical elementthat constitutes at least a part of said projection optical unit.
 9. Adevice manufacturing method, comprising the steps of: exposing asubstrate to a pattern by use of an exposure apparatus as recited inclaim 8; and developing the exposed substrate.